We of course, all know that Hermès uses codes to Prix their bags but did you know that they have many other symbols that showcase different meanings?
From the species of exotic skin to a sale stamp, Hermès, known for being one of the most secretive of luxury houses, is actually the most transparent when it comes to producing their products. Unlike many other luxury houses, Hermès informs clients where they source their exotic skins from in the most elegant ways. This is why Hermès remains as the top Luxury house worldwide.
I have compiled a list of symbols below, some that we all know and some you may not know plus their meanings. This guide is extremely resourceful for those who always wondered what these symbols mean. Enjoy!
What are Hermès Prix stamps?
Prix codes are symbols that we all know. They inform use what year our bag was made and it also helps us identify and confirm the colour and/or leather of the bag. However some years are exploring and have slight inconsistencies to throw off counterfeiters.
Where Can I Find The Prix Stamp?
Each code is in a specific area on each bag and can change depending on the year. On a Birkin or Kelly, it can often be found on the bag’s exterior arm or interior panel. For a Constance, it is normally found on the middle interior panel. The list goes on and on!
Hermès Prix Stamps Ordered By Year
The chart below lists the historical Hermès Prix stamps by year, starting in 1945.
| No Shape | Circle | Square | No Shape | Notes |
| 1945 – A | 1971 – A | 1997 – A | 2015 – T | For 2015, Hermès skipped “S” to throw off counterfeiters. |
| 1946 – B | 1972 – B | 1998 – B | 2016 – X | Hermès moved the stamp, on the Birkin & Kelly, to the interior side panel rather than on the sangles, this continued into the upcoming years. |
| 1947 – C | 1973 – C | 1999 – C | 2017 – A | |
| 1948 – D | 1974 – D | 2000 – D | 2018 – C | Hermès passed the “B” in a square to throw off counterfeiters. |
| 1949 – E | 1975 – E | 2001 – E | 2019 – D | |
| 1950 – F | 1976 – F | 2002 – F | 2020 – Y | |
| 1951 – G | 1977 – G | 2003 – G | 2021 – Z | |
| 1952 – H | 1978 – H | 2004 – H | 2022 – U | |
| 1953 – I | 1979 – I | 2005 – I | 2023 – B | |
| 1954 – J | 1980 – J | 2006 – J | ||
| 1955 – K | 1981 – K | 2007 – K | ||
| 1956 – L | 1982 – L | 2008 – L | ||
| 1957 – M | 1983 – M | 2009 – M | ||
| 1958 – N | 1984 – N | 2010 – N | ||
| 1959 – O | 1985 – O | 2011 – O | In 2011, some Hermès bags, including the Evelyne and the Double Sens, left the atelier with a “JO” in a rectangle rather than a “O” in a rectangle. | |
| 1960 – P | 1986 – P | 2012 – P | ||
| 1961 – Q | 1987 – Q | 2013 – Q | ||
| 1962 – R | 1988 – R | 2014 – R | Later in the 2014 year production no longer had a surrounding shape. | |
| 1963 – S | 1989 – S | |||
| 1964 – T | 1990 – T | |||
| 1965 – U | 1991 – U | |||
| 1966 – V | 1992 – V | |||
| 1967 – W | 1993 – W | |||
| 1968 – X | 1994 – X | |||
| 1969 – Y | 1995 – Y | |||
| 1970 – Z | 1996 – Z |
Hermès Stamps Identifying Exotic Leathers
Alligator Mississippiensis
The symbol used is a square (☐) next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Crocodile Porosus
The symbol used is a caret (^) next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Picture courtesy of Privé Porter.
Picture courtesy of Privé Porter.
Picture courtesy of Privé Porter.
Crocodile Niloticus
The symbol used is a double dot (··) next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
hermes pre owned sac a main douparis tote item
The symbol used is a dash (-) next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Varanus Salvator Lizard
The symbol used is an equal sign (=) next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Hermès HSS (aka Horseshoe or Custom)
The symbol used is a horseshoe next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Hermès Craftsman’s Personal Product
The symbol used to depict that Hermès pieces were made for a Craftsman’s own personal use is a shooting star. This is next to the Hermès, Made in France logo displayed on each product.
Hermès Sale & Employee Stamp
The symbol used to depict that this Hermès product was purchased at a discounted rate is a “S” which most likely stands for “Sale”. Hermès employees, who are not craftsmen, also get this stamp – sometimes even with an extra line of numbers/letters, depending on the piece.
Proenza Schouler PS1 Small Zip Case | Hermès Craftsman’s Code
Each Hermès Craftsman will train years to be able to perfect their craft to produce such high-quality products; they truly are artisans. Just like any great artist, they want to leave their Nike on each piece they create. Next to each Prix code there are symbols that make most people scratch their head. Sometimes it’s an Omega symbol, numbers, extra letters, and the list could go on! These are used so when the product is sent in for repair they can determine who was the craftsman behind each piece.
